Displays of bipartisanship are rare these days. That is why I attended the Problem Solvers presentation by Rep. Tom Reed and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. on Aug. 16 at Elmira College.

As soon as I walked into Meier Hall, I saw that careful thought had gone into planning. Organizers had secured a beautiful venue and provided beverages and an array of tasty cookies. Cellphone-toting, smartly dressed young people wandered Meier Hall. I assumed they work for No Labels, the well-funded PAC that provides funding for Problem Solvers and that livestreamed the event. I grabbed a cookie, then joined dozens of other Southern Tier residents who came to listen.

The two congressmen obviously respect one another and introduced themselves as close friends. They share a willingness to vote for leaders who will break congressional gridlock — an opinion most in the audience, including me, support.

As the conversation went on, however, I became less comfortable with what kind of solutions these “problem solvers” also advocate. Both support eliminating the gas tax as a funding vehicle for infrastructure projects. Congressman Reed stated that exploitation of natural resources on public lands could provide funding. No wonder Clear Path, a conservative “clean energy” PAC that advocates fracking, announced in July that it would support our congressman’s election campaign with a six-figure digital ad buy.

They referred to other business-friendly solutions to challenges. Gottheimer, a Democrat who reports assets worth between $2.3 million and $10.3 million, shares Congressman Reed’s belief that private markets could solve problems in the Affordable Care Act and provide rural broadband. As someone who relies on Spectrum for internet and cable, I chuckled at their abiding faith in the ability of business to solve problems.

My real concern with the congressmen’s presentation, however, goes deeper. Congressman Reed criticized left and right “extremists” in Congress. The only example he mentioned, however, was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the young progressive Latina woman who has yet to take a congressional seat.

My other complaint was the sharp contrast between the affection and respect with which Mr. Reed treated his Democratic colleague in Congress, and the contempt he displays to many Democrats here in the Southern Tier. Comity in Washington does not excuse slurring people who disagree with the Congressman’s positions back home as “extremists,” or green-lighting a vicious campaign of dirty tricks that resulted in the arrest of an elderly clergyman.

Congressman Reed should look to the examples of Southern Tier politicians who preceded him. Democrat Matt McHugh, of Ithaca, once represented much of the Southern Tier and earned a reputation for his willingness to work across the aisle. Corning’s Amo Houghton represented parts of the 23rd District for eight years, as an outspoken pro-choice Republican who also earned praise for bipartisanship. Neither relied on the cover of dozens of other congressmen to do what was right, representing Republicans, Democrats and Independents throughout the district in a respectful, thoughtful fashion. Congressman Reed would do well to follow their example.

Caleigh Stone (11) of Homer, N.Y., spends some time with her award winning Holstein "Kiley" at the NYS Fair on Sunday, Aug. 27th 2017 in Geddes, N.Y. they are in the Dairy Cattle Bld. MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI, NYS FAIR

Paulie Basillio celebrated his 61st year selling his famous sausage sandwhiches at the NYS Fair in 2017. He is the oldest living concessionaire still on the fairgrounds. this Canastota, N.Y. native will turn 90 this year. He is shown with some of his crew & family at their stand . MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI, NYS FAIR

A pair of Fair patrons with their glasses of milk outside the Milk Bar at the NYS Fair on Friday, Aug. 26th 2016 in Geddes, N.Y. Located in the Dairy Products Bld. at the Fair, it has been a tradition for 65-years and only 25-cents since 1983. MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI, NYS FAIR

A vendor with her wares at the La Feria area in the New York Experience at the NYS Fair on Friday, Aug. 26th 2016 in Geddes, N.Y. La Feria celebrates a weekend of Hispanic music, food, crafts and culture. MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI, NYS FAIR

The first ever Family Fishing Day was held in the New York Experience area at the NYS Fair on Sunday, Aug. 27th 2017 in Geddes, N.Y. Pictured is the NYS DEC's Marcus Schoen instructing Amalie Merriman (4) of England. MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI, NYS FAIR

Members of the NYSP mounted patrol strut their stuff inside the Coliseum at the NYS Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 30th 2017 in Geddes, N.Y. The NYSP is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI, NYS FAIR

Christopher Slade of Homer, N.Y., readies his 8-month old Holstein Summer for competition at the NYS Fair on Weds. , Aug. 23rd, 2017 in Geddes, N.Y. He is in the Dairy Cattle Bld. MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI, NYS FAIR

Sondra & John Bromka, the musical duo of Bells and Motley, perform daily on antique instruments outside the Witter Agriculture Museum at the NYS Fair. John is playing a Hurdy Gurdy from the 1800's on Thursday., Aug. 23,. in Geddes, N.Y. MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI, NYS FAIR

The Downbeat Percussion Band performs at the NYS Fair on Friday, Aug. 26th 2016 in Geddes, N.Y. They are one of several free strolling entertainers that fairgoers can enjoy. (Photos by Michael J. Okoniewski-NYS Fair) MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI, NYS FAIR

A youngster mimics The Downbeat Percussion Band as they perform at the NYS Fair on Friday, Aug. 26th 2016 in Geddes, N.Y. They are one of several free strolling entertainers that fairgoers can enjoy. (Photos by Michael J. Okoniewski-NYS Fair) MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI, NYS FAIR

Ike Hopper performs the Hoop Dancer at the Indian Village at the NYS Fair on Monday, Aug. 28th 2016 in Geddes, N.Y. Hopper is from the Onondaga Nation, but is wearing southwest Native American clothes to perform in. Photos by Michael J. Okoniewski-NYS Fair) MICHAEL OKONIEWSKI, NYS FAIR